turismo.news September 5, 2026

Hotels · Destinations · Revenue & DistributionPublished September 4, 20263 min read

Fernando Hazoury National Tourism Award, accessible tourism Asonahores and 15.9% GDP

JSBy Joan SanzCurated by Joan Sanz. · September 4, 2026 · Follow on LinkedIn

Voice reading · ~4 min

Fernando Hazoury National Tourism Award, accessible tourism Asonahores and 15.9% GDP · AI-generated illustration · turismo.news

Dominican tourism is not slowing down: the sector is consolidating its role as an economic engine with 15.9% of GDP, while the industry prepares to celebrate one of its leading figures, Fernando Hazoury, at the fifth National Tourism Award. It is a day to look in the rearview mirror and see how far we have come, and to adjust the mirror towards what remains: accessibility, an achievable challenge that Asonahores has just put on the table.

Following up on yesterday's story about JAC and Aerodom joining forces to improve the airport experience, the industry is in continuous improvement mode. Today we talk about awards, macro figures and an agreement that opens the door to a tourist who was not on everyone's radar until now.

Today's brief

Fernando Hazoury will be recognized as Entrepreneur of the Year at the fifth National Tourism Award, a distinction for those who move the industry with vision and results. Infotur Dominicano

The award, presented at a ceremony that is already a must-attend event, recognizes Hazoury's career as a key figure in the country's hotel development.
This is not a minor award: the PNDT has become the thermometer of who is setting the pace in the Dominican private sector.
My take: this type of recognition not only celebrates a person, it also sends a signal to foreign investors that good work is rewarded here.

Hotels and destinations

Asonahores and Travegali sign an agreement to boost accessible tourism in the Dominican Republic, a market niche with real potential that the country had not talked about much. Infotur Dominicano

The agreement seeks to promote inclusive destinations, events and experiences, and to expand participation opportunities for travelers with disabilities. This is not philanthropy, it is strategy.

Accessible tourism moves millions of travelers with real purchasing power each year in Europe and North America, our natural source markets.
Hotels that adapt their facilities not only comply with regulations, they open up to a loyal segment with a high repeat rate.
In a sun-and-beach destination like ours, where the resort is everything, accessibility starts with design and ends with customer service.

What I like about this agreement is that it comes from the hotel association, which gives it practical scope. Now it is up to the members to take it seriously and not leave it as a press release.

Tourism in the economy

Tourism now contributes 15.9% of the Dominican GDP and has tripled its fiscal contribution in the last decade, according to data presented by Asonahores. Infotur Dominicano

These figures confirm what we have been saying: tourism is not a complement to the Dominican economy, it is one of its pillars.

15.9% of GDP, including direct, indirect and induced effects.
The fiscal contribution has tripled in ten years: more revenue for the state, more capacity to invest in infrastructure and services.
These numbers are the best argument to defend the industry when some try to treat it as a luxury that can be cut.

Every peso invested in promotion and improving the visitor experience has a return here. Asonahores' data is the best calling card for the new government and for international investors looking closely at the Caribbean.

What we are watching

Coming weeks: the National Tourism Award gala, where Hazoury is expected to outline the private sector's roadmap for the year.
Asonahores: follow-up on the Travegali agreement, to see if it translates into certifications and training for member hotels.
Fiscal figures: tourism revenue will keep growing if we maintain occupancy and increase average spend, which is the pending challenge.
November brings Discover Puntacana, the fair that gathers international buyers, and all eyes will be on booking figures for the high season.

Dominican tourism has an advantage few destinations can boast: the numbers are on its side. Let us use this momentum to address the pending challenges, because accessibility is good for those who need it and excellent for everyone's business.

Quick questions

Who is Fernando Hazoury and why is he receiving the National Tourism Award?

Fernando Hazoury is a Dominican tourism businessman with a long career, recognized as Entrepreneur of the Year at the fifth National Tourism Award for his contribution to hotel development and the sector in the country.

What is tourism's contribution to the Dominican Republic's GDP?

According to Asonahores, tourism contributes 15.9% of the Dominican GDP, including direct, indirect and induced effects, and has tripled its fiscal contribution in the last decade, consolidating itself as an economic pillar.

What is the Asonahores-Travegali agreement about?

It is a cooperation agreement to boost accessible tourism in the Dominican Republic, promoting inclusive destinations, events and experiences for travelers with disabilities, a high-value segment for the country's resorts.

Why is accessible tourism important for Dominican hotels?

Because it opens the door to a segment of travelers with high purchasing power and a high return rate, especially from Europe and North America. Adapting facilities is a real business opportunity and a way to build loyalty.

How does tourism's fiscal contribution impact the Dominican Republic?

Tourism's fiscal contribution has tripled in ten years, meaning more revenue for the state that can be allocated to infrastructure and public services, strengthening the case for the industry.

Companies

The Dominican tourism-sector companies we follow, plus the ones surfacing in today's news.

In today's news
Casual HotelesCadena hotelera europea que da el salto al Caribe con un primer proyecto en República Dominicana, validando el mercado como plataforma de expansión internacional.
RIU Hotels & ResortsCadena hotelera mallorquina con varios resorts todo incluido en el país. Su presencia se concentra en el complejo de playa de Bávaro y Arena Gorda, en Punta Cana.
Catalonia Hotels & ResortsCadena hotelera española con resorts todo incluido en el Caribe dominicano. Opera propiedades de playa y golf en Bávaro, Punta Cana y La Romana.

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